Solinatra is PFAS Free

Materials

1 Dec

PFAS, or per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances, are often known by their much easier to pronounce name: Forever Chemicals. Named appropriately, as studies show this vast group of synthetic chemicals persist in the environment forever.

There are more than 4,500 PFAS, which are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been in production since the 1940s to manufacture products with water-repellent, fire-resistant, grease proof, stain proof properties. Used globally in everyday products, from waterproof fabrics for clothing and shoes, to fire resistant fabrics for upholstery and furniture, non-stick coatings on cookware and many other uses.

Exposure and health risks

Whilst some PFAS improve the safety of certain products, including fireproof and fire-resistant products, there is an increasing body of research to suggest that the forever chemicals are doing more harm than good.

Studies have shown that the widespread usage and persistent nature of the forever chemicals has led to PFAS being detected in the bloodstreams of humans and animals around the world. Exposure of PFAS in the clothes we wear, the furniture we sit on, the pots and pans we cook our food with, in the bowls we eat from are all having an impact on our health. PFAS are accumulative, meaning that while exposure to a single product or item may not be harmful - repeated and gradual exposure to multiple items builds up.

This exposure is shown to disrupt endocrine systems, and lead to; elevated risk of certain cancers (prostate, kidney, and testicular), higher cholesterol levels and/or obesity risk, weakened immune system, developmental effects such as low birth weight, accelerated puberty, bone variations, or behavioural changes, and reproductive effects, including decreased fertility or increased high blood pressure in pregnant women.

Plastic alternatives and PFAS

Earlier this year a study on drinking straws led to alarming headlines about plastic alternatives containing PFAS. The study tested straws made of paper, bamboo, stainless steel, glass and plastic to assess what PFAS were present and at what concentrations, using samples commercially available in Europe. The study found varying levels of PFAS in all samples except for the stainless steel straws, with the highest concentration and number of PFAS in the paper straws. The study had hypothesised that paper would be more likely to be contaminated with PFAS due to manufacturers adding water repellent substances to improve the functionality of the straw. However, the study also highlighted that the PFAS can find their way into the supply chain of paper and bamboo straws via contaminated soil that the plant based feedstocks are grown in, in the fertiliser used on the farms, in the water used in production and so pinpointing the exact source(s) of contamination is difficult.

A 2020 study testing the toxicity and chemical composition of bioplastics and plant-based materials in comparison to conventional, fossil-based plastics also found the substances were present and at comparable levels. This study looked at partially and fully biobased materials, and whilst it found a number of products comparably toxic, the conclusions also highlight new innovations optimising "green chemistry to “design out” toxicity during the development of new bio-based and biodegradable materials."

Around for a good time, not for a long time!

Solinatra is 100% naturally derived and designed to compost without leaving behind any harmful contamination: that includes PFAS. Products made of Solinatra compost in short time frames, and coffee capsules made of Solinatra fully break down in the same time frame as a banana skin - and just like bananas, there are no forever chemicals left behind.

There are no intentionally added substances (NIAS) in Solinatra grades of material. The omnipresence of PFAS in water, soil, and the atmosphere means that it is very hard to guarantee the absolute absence of these substance at some point of the supply chain; as shown in the aforementioned study on drinking straws. The declaration of NIAS which is mandatory now in many regions, including Europe and China, and a requirement for certain compostability standards including the Australasian Bioplastics Association will support to prevent that PFAS-polluted ingredients are used and unintentionally further the spread of PFAS.

Setting the Standard

We rigorously test all of our materials in our laboratories to ensure that our materials are truly the most sustainable, safe and suitable solution. We go beyond the standards used for compostability certifications like EN 13432, and we inspect our materials at each stage (pellet material, moulded product, used product) to ensure safety and quality. Migration testing and ecotoxicity testing checks that there is no transfer of unsafe or unintentional ingredients from the product to the environment, whilst in use or whilst degrading. Though our materials are not plastic, we test to the same methodologies for food contact approval and to ensure compliance with existing processes and standardisation. Our thorough testing both inhouse and via third party verification ensures that there is zero compromise on quality, safety and sustainability for all products made of our innovative materials.

For more information on our materials or any of the topics raised in this blog, get in touch with our team.

Are you a business looking for the truly sustainable alternative to single use plastics? Contact our sales team to make the transition to our 100% natural solution!

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